UK Highlights Key Human Rights Issues in Antigua and Barbuda During 53rd Universal Periodic Review

Thank you, Madame Vice-President.

The United Kingdom extends its heartfelt congratulations to Antigua and Barbuda for the successful organisation of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this week.

We acknowledge and appreciate Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in the Universal Periodic Review and thank the delegation for their active engagement. Furthermore, we commend the change in sentencing guidelines implemented in 2020, which is a significant step towards minimising the application of the death penalty.

We encourage the government to reflect on additional reforms that may be necessary to address pressing issues, particularly regarding the assurance of equal rights for all individuals and the prevention of domestic violence.

Recommendations for Progress

In this context, the United Kingdom recommends that Antigua and Barbuda:

• Maintains the de facto moratorium on executions and initiates a comprehensive review of legislation concerning the death penalty, with the aim of eventual abolition.
• Enhances legal and policy frameworks that protect against discrimination and violence, particularly for LGBT+ individuals, and takes proactive measures to ensure that all human rights are enjoyed equally, without discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Continues to strengthen the existing structures that uphold judicial independence and ensure its respect.

Once again, the United Kingdom looks forward to ongoing collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda on human rights matters.

Thank you.